PROPYLTHIOURACIL IN THE TREATMENT OF TOXIC GOITER

Abstract

95 patients with toxic goiters, (67 with toxic nodular, and 28 with toxic diffuse goiters), were treated with propyl thiouracil and observed during a period of 21 mos. The avg. initial dose was 140 mg. daily for those with toxic nodular and 166 mg. for those with toxic diffuse goiter. Remission appeared after 8 wks. in the former and 10 wks. in the latter and was maintained in both types with an avg. of 85-90 mg. of the drug daily. The avg. duration of treatment was 8.6 mos. in the toxic nodular and 10 mos. in the toxic diffuse goiter patients. 27 patients, (28%) have remained in remission without treatment for over 6 months. Of 10 patients with diabetes and hyperthyroidism, 2 with diabetes developing during the thyrotoxic state showed no improvement in diabetes control although the thyrotoxicity was well controlled. Six patients with diabetes antedating the thyrotoxicosis showed good control of both Conditions, while 2 under the same circumstances did not show such decisive results. Three pregnant patients with toxic diffuse goiter were carried through pregnancy successfully, delivering nor-, mal babies and continuing in sustained remission. One instance of drug fever and one of transient white cell count depression were encountered.